Dressing for autumn: Some quick and easy tips

The most stylish of people don’t buy a whole new wardrobe as the season changes, they dress up what they have, and layer well. A few tweaks to how you wear what you already own can make a difference between tired and inspired…

Buy five pairs of black opaque tights, now. So you’re not tempted to put on your bobbly ones tomorrow morning. It makes such a difference, and costs the same as a few coffees.

Buy five pairs of black opaque tights, now. So you’re not tempted to put on your bobbly ones tomorrow morning. It makes such a difference, and costs the same as a few coffees.

And a few coloured pairs, too. Navy tights will go well with the wine shades that are everywhere; while a pair of chunky grey ones will look good with silver.

And a few coloured pairs, too. Navy tights will go well with the wine shades that are everywhere; while a pair of chunky grey ones will look good with silver.

 

Patterned tights look great with leather.

Patterned tights look great with leather.

Socks under strappy sandals/ peep-toe shoe boots = not scary. (Chunky, lacy, bright, gauzy, whatever works.)

Socks under strappy sandals/ peep-toe shoe boots = warm toes, AND approval from SJP. (Chunky, lacy, bright, gauzy, whatever works.)

 

 

 

Spend half an hour one night working out what spring/summer dresses can be layered up with shirts/long tops. A few new basic scoop-neck tops can help you easily straddle the seasons.

Spend half an hour one night working out what spring/summer dresses can be layered up with shirts/long tops. A few new basic scoop-neck tops can help you easily straddle the seasons.

 

Give a coat or jacket an update by turning outside the sleeves/collars of your shirt/jumper/whatever’s underneath.

Give a coat or jacket an update by turning outside the sleeves/collars of your shirt/jumper/whatever’s underneath.

Not cold enough for a coat? Drape a pretty scarf around your neck and fasten it with a skinny belt, flat against your figure. Or do the same to liven up last winter’s coat.

Not cold enough for a coat? Drape a pretty scarf around your neck and fasten it with a skinny belt, flat against your figure. Or do the same to liven up last winter’s coat.

Pair long leather gloves with cropped-sleeved coats or sweaters.

Pair long leather gloves with cropped-sleeved coats or sweaters.

A new belt can transform an old coat.

A new belt can transform an old coat.

Don’t forget accessories. Necklaces over coats, stacks of bracelets over the cuffs of body-con layers. Adding something sparkly will lift your look (and maybe, mood) on a cold, dull day.

Don’t forget accessories. Necklaces over coats, stacks of bracelets over the cuffs of body-con layers. Adding something sparkly will lift your look (and maybe, mood) on a cold, dull day.